First impressions can make or break a character’s image in front of the audience. The moment a character is introduced carries a lot of weight, and if the character is a big deal, he has to be brought to the screen doingbig-boy thingsto convey that point.
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These 8 character appearances in anime are some of thestrongest of all timeand are part of the reason why these characters went on to become such a big deal.
Code Geass
Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion
Zero’s introduction in Code Geass remains one of themost iconic momentsin anime history. When we first meet this character, he appears as a mysterious figure standing atop a vehicle, his face concealed behind a striking black and purple mask.
The setting couldn’t be more dramatic, a public execution about to take place, Britannian forces surrounding Japanese rebels, and then suddenly, this enigmatic figure emerges, commanding attention with his presence alone.
What makes Zero’s introduction so powerful is the sharp contrast between his public persona and his true identity. While the world sees a dramatic revolutionary leader making grand gestures and speeches, viewers are privy to the knowledge that beneath the mask is Lelouch Lamperouge, a high school student with a personal vendetta against the Britannian Empire.
His first words to the public are delivered with theatrical flair, challenging the very foundations of the oppressive regime and promising hope to the oppressed Japanese people.
7Karma Akabane
Assassination classroom
Assassination Classroom
After being suspended forviolent behavior, Karma returns to school with a casual stroll through the hallway, sporting bright red hair and a mischievous smile that hints at the chaos he’s about to unleash.
What makes his introduction particularly memorable is the cunning trap he sets from the very moment he meets Koro-sensei. Approaching his teacher with seeming politeness, Karma extends his hand for a friendly handshake. The unsuspecting Koro-sensei reaches out with his tentacle, only for it to suddenly burst upon contact with Karma’s palm.
In that shocking moment, it’s revealed that Karma had secretly attached anti-Koro-sensei knife pieces to his hand before the greeting. While Koro-sensei is still processing this unexpected attack, Karma immediately follows up by swinging a real anti-Koro-sensei knife at his teacher. Though Koro-sensei managed to dodge this second attack with his superhuman speed the damage to his pride was already done.
This surprise attack demonstrates not just Karma’s willingness to fight dirty but also his tactical brilliance. While the other students had been attempting straightforward assassination methods.
6Mirio Togata
My Hero Academia
My Hero Academia introduced Mirio Togata in a way that perfectly captures his unique character. The “Big Three” of U.A. High School had been mentioned several times, building anticipation for their appearance. When Mirio finally arrives to meet Class 1-A, he makes his entrance by literally phasing through a wall, an immediate demonstration of his quirk.
What follows is perhaps one of the most unexpectedly hilarious introductions, as Mirio’s quirk causes his clothes to fall off, leaving him standing naked in front of the stunned class. This moment of comedy quickly gives way to awe as Mirio effortlessly defeats the entire class in combat training without a single student landing a hit.
His introductionperfectly balances humorwith an impressive display of skill, establishing him as both approachable and incredibly powerful.
5Manjiro Sano
Tokyo Revengers
Tokyo Revengers introduces Manjiro “Mikey” Sano with a reputation that precedes his appearance. During a brutal fight where Takemichi refuses to stay down against Kiyomasa, the atmosphere shifts as motorcycles approach. Kiyomasa freezes in fear as Mikey and his right-hand man Draken arrive, with other delinquents parting to make way.
Despite his small stature and youthful face, Mikey commands the scene with calm authority. Rather than punishing Takemichi for the disturbance, he observes with growing interest. When Kiyomasa tries to explain, Mikey interrupts, expressing admiration for Takemichi’s resilience.
In an unexpected gesture, Mikey approaches Takemichi with respect and bestows upon him the nickname “Takemitchy”.
This scene was funny to me because the strongest person approaches the weakest guy, admires his resilience, and hilariously gives him a fitting nickname. I wrote this entry to get opinions on how others perceive this moment.
4Kokushibo
Demon Slayer
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
Kokushibo’s introduction in Demon Slayer is a masterclass in establishing dominance. As Upper Moon One, the highest-ranking demon under Muzan Kibutsuji, his arrival during the Upper Moon gathering is enough to instill fear in even the strongest demons.
The full extent of his power is revealed in a single, chilling moment. When Akaza, Upper Moon Three, recklessly moves to attack another demon, Kokushibo reacts with terrifying speed. In the blink of an eye, his sword is drawn, and before anyone can process what happened, Akaza’s hand is severed.
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There is no anger in Kokushibo’s actions, just absolute, calculated precision. Akaza, usually defiant and headstrong, doesn’t protest. He simply accepts the rebuke, fully aware of the insurmountable gap between himself and the one standing above him.
3Future Trunks
Dragon Ball Z
Dragon Ball Z delivered one of the anime’s most iconic character introductions with Future Trunks. In a series already filled with powerful fighters, Trunks arrives from the future in a time machine, immediately establishing himself as something entirely new to the franchise.
His introduction begins with him confronting Frieza and King Cold. With shocking efficiency, Trunks transforms into a Super Saiyan (at a time when only Goku had achieved this legendary form) and dispatches both villains with minimal effort, leaving both the characters and the audience in stunned silence.
2L Lawliet
Death Note
Death Note introduced L Lawliet in a way that perfectly established the cat-and-mouse game that would define the series. Before we ever see his face, L makes his presence known through a televised confrontation with Light Yagami, challenging the mysterious Kira who has been killing criminals worldwide.
Using a body double to broadcast in Japan, L tricks Light into revealing his location, immediately demonstrating his deductive genius. When L finally appears in person at Light’s university, the oddity of his appearance, hunched posture, baggy clothes, and dark-rimmed eyes, creates a striking visual contrast with the clean-cut, perfect-student image of Light.
1Madra Uchiha
Naruto Shippuden
Naruto: Shippuden
Naruto Shippuden built up Madara Uchiha’s reputation long before his true appearance. Mentioned in reverent tones as a legendary figure from the past, his name alone carried weight throughout the ninja world. When he finally makes his entrance on the Fourth Great Ninja War battlefield, the reality exceeds even the myth.
His introduction comes at a moment when the Allied Shinobi Forces believe they’ve gained the upper hand against the reanimated shinobi. Madara’s arrival instantly shifts the tide, as he single-handedly takes on an entire division of the ninja alliance, showcasing techniques and power levels that seem impossible.
Even the most powerful ninjas respond with shock and fear, with several commenting that the histories failed to capture just how terrifying Madara truly is.
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